from soil to clay

I fell in love with ceramics in a pit, an archaeological excavation pit to be precise. Whilst unearthing a tumulus burial filled with painted funerary jars, I felt a deep connection to the celebration of life that had taken place in that exact spot 4000 years ago. Those carefully crafted ceramics communicated the love of a community to one of their own. Their example inspired me to try pottery as a medium to connect to that past world and share my love through clay as well.

 

Soon after returning home from fieldwork, I enrolled in wheel-throwing classes. When I wasn't writing my doctoral thesis, I was elbow-deep in clay, reproducing the forms I was studying in my research. The sensory and tactile experience of making pottery brought the past to life in my mind in a way scientific writing could not. I could feel the joy of completing a piece and the dread of a challengingly tall form and the curiosity of encountering new materials, sensations felt by the ancient potters but lost to millenia. My pottery practice followed me on my journey as I pursued my academic career from Chicago to New York to Oxford where I live today. It is a source of inspiration for my research and also the best way of finding a supportive artistic community while living a nomadic lifestyle.

 

Wild Goat Ceramics emerged when I decided to play with ancient forms and storytelling through bold illustrations and patterns.​ The "Wild Goat Style" is a type of ceramic art characterised by naturalistic, multi-coloured animal, floral, and geometric motifs, which was popular during the 7th-6th century BC in eastern Greece. I have always felt an affinity for its maximalist variety of ornamentation and abundance of mischievous goats, so I adopted the name to be a totem of the cheeky energy of my work. My hope is that Wild Goat Ceramics can bring you the sense of archaeological adventure and a connection to the ancient ceramic masters through fun pieces that brighten your home.

 

All my pieces are made in my home studio in Oxford. I am happy to accept commissions. If you have an idea for a wheelthrown piece or bespoke tiling project, we can work together to bring your vision to life. Please don't hesitate to get in touch.​​